No. 22 Texas A&M Aggies vs. No. 13 Florida Gators
Saturday, 12/17/11, 2:30 PM EST, TV: N/A
Opening Point Spread: Florida -8.5
Current Betting Line: Florida -9.5
Opening Total: 129.5
Current Total: 130.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Texas A&M will put its six-game winning streak on the line Saturday and take on the Florida Gators inside the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, FL. The Aggies have allowed just 51.4 points per game on 33.4 percent shooting this year, which ranks first and second in the Big 12 Conference. This particular contest will be the program’s first against a ranked opponent, posting a 4-4 record against such foes during the 2010-11 campaign. Texas A&M is 0-2 ATS in neutral court games this season and the ‘under’ has cashed in both.
The Aggies have scored 53.1 percent of their points inside the point this season, which is significantly higher than the 40.1 percent of a year ago. Texas A&M is certainly making a name for itself in the college basketball arena, being one of only eight schools in the entire country that have won 24 or more games in each of the last five seasons. Offensively the team received a big boost with the return of junior forward Khris Middleton, who suffered a knee injury in the season opener, but has averaged 15.0 points in two games this season.
Florida has lost two games this season on the road to Ohio State and Syracuse, coming in on a two-game win streak that includes a 90-69 blowout win over the Rider Broncos as 26.5-point home favorites. “We shared the ball and I thought we played the right way on offense,” commented Gators coach Billy Donovan. The Gators are appearing in the MetroPCS Orange Bowl Classic for the 11th in 12 years, holding an 8-2 mark in the event. The program is 13-10 all-time against Big 12 Conference schools, including a 3-2 mark under Donovan’s watch. Florida is 0-3 ATS as a favorite this year.
The Gators have been a major force on the glass this season, out-rebounding opponents in seven of eight games. Florida also ranks third nationally and first among Southeastern Conference schools in averaging 86.8 points per game. Hitting from beyond the arc is something this roster does on a regular basis, leading the nation with 102 three-pointers and ranking second in averaging 11.3 per game. Junior guard Kenny Boynton is the star of the show in averaging 18.7 points.
Bettors will likely back the Aggies due to their 13-4 ATS mark as neutral-site underdogs, while the Gators are 2-5 ATS as a favorite of 7 to 12.5 points.
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